Apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber

Abstract

An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and / or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face. A cleaning wipe may also be provided with at least one fluid barrier to prevent fluid flow between two adjacent portions of the cleaning wipe.

Description

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT[0001]This invention was made with Government support under Grant number N68335-05-C-0046, awarded by the Department of the Navy. The Government has certain rights in this invention.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to cleaning fiber optic systems, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber which is supported by a fiber optic connector.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Fiber optic systems are used in a variety of applications. Generally, in a fiber optic system, information in the form of a light signal is transmitted between different portions of the fiber optic system through an optical fiber. End faces of two optical fibers may be axially aligned and placed into contact under a predetermined axial load to make a point-to-point signal connection. Various types of connectors may be used to assist in making the signal connection between optical fibers.[0004]FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a multi-channel con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The apparatus effectively cleans optical fibers within connectors without disassembly, reducing the risk of fiber damage and recontamination, while ensuring efficient removal of contaminants, thus maintaining signal quality and extending fiber lifespan.

Problems solved by technology

Contaminants may block the transmission of the light signal through the end face of the optical fiber.

Contaminants may also scratch the end face which may affect the ability of the fiber to transmit a signal even after the contaminant is removed.

However, this approach is not very effective when the end face of the optical fiber is recessed within a connector, because the end face is not readily accessible to the wipe.

Although this approach may be effective at removing some contaminants, the disassembly and reassembly process associated with this technique is typically labor intensive.

The reassembling process may also stir up additional contaminants onto the end face of the optical fiber after the optical fiber has been cleaned.

Also, in some circumstances, this technique may not be desirable because multiple fibers may be bundled together on the backside of the connector making it difficult to easily dissemble the connector.

Furthermore, disassembling and reassembling the connector may lead to mishandling of the fiber which may potentially damage the end face of the fiber and may even render the optical fiber inoperable.

Although a swab may be easy to use, the swabs are expensive and are less effective at removing contaminants in comparison to a larger wipe.

Often times, multiple swabs are needed to clean one end face which further escalates costs.

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